Reducing Belt Failures in Tough Conditions

Although typical V-belt drives are relatively simple, they require a lot of periodic maintenance to ensure optimal belt and drive performance. Poor belt performance leads to reduced productivity, premature failure of drive components and wasted energy.

In severe environments, these maintenance issues can increase exponentially. One common application in a harsh environment that’s tough on rubber belts is a belt-driven HVAC drive. Available as a replacement for problematic rubber belts are PowerTwist Plus V-belts, polyurethane belts with a segmented twist-lock design from Fenner Drives. Here’s a look at how they can provide a solution to some common drive problems.

Problem: Hostile environments. HVAC drives are exposed to the elements — searing heat, freezing cold — not to mention greasy, grimy exhaust, all of which means bad news for rubber belts. Heat over 74*C (165F) causes rubber V-belts to become hard and brittle, leading to belt slippage, reduced drive efficiency, and severely shortened belt and component life.

Solution: V-belts made of a special polyester/polyurethane composite will outperform conventional rubber V-belts in handling tough conditions like exposure to extremes of temperature from -40*C to +115*C (-40*F to +240*F), in addition to grease and grit that may be found in some ventilation applications.

Problem: Transmitted vibration. Endless V-belts contain inner tension cords that transmit vibrations from the drive system to the fan, causing a deterioration in drive component life.

Solution: The unique link-style construction of a segmented twist-lock V-belt ensures reduced transmitted vibrations. Because there is no inner tension cord, vibrations reach the end of the link and simply die — they are not transmitted from link to link. Therefore, the transmission of unwanted vibrations produced by the drive motor is considerably reduced, resulting in smoother operation at the driven shaft.

Problem: Broken belts. By nature, many HVAC drives are difficult to access and often show the results of their hostile settings. Drives must be dismantled, often requiring a struggle with rusted bolts and motor mounts, to allow proper installation of endless rubber belts without damaging the inner tension cord. Battling a rusty, reluctant motor in a difficult-to-access location leads to an unacceptable level of downtime, especially when you determine that you don’t have the right V-belt on hand.

Solution: Segmented twist-lock design polyurethane V-belts can be made to the required length, by hand, in seconds. They will run in existing sheaves and can be fitted without dismantling any of the drive components. No special tools are required, and those rusted motor mounts don’t need to be touched. Simply make the length you need and roll the belt on by hand — because of its design, it rolls right on the drive like a bicycle chain. No drive dismantling or motor adjustment means no more costly downtime.

These belts are ideal for severe environments because of the following features:

* Polyester/polyurethane material unaffected by extreme temperatures, water, steam, oil, grease, and common industrial chemicals and solvents

* Link design absorbs vibration, reduces noise and protects drive components

* Same horsepower ratings as conventional rubber V-belts

* High resistance to abrasion and shock loads

* Easily installed without dismantling drive components

* Can be made to required length by hand in seconds with no tools needed.

For more information, visit the website at www.powertwistplus.com.